Brampton mega mall proposal sparks retail turf war

A proposal for a 1.2-million-square-foot mega mall in the city’s north end has sparked a turf war in Brampton’s retail sector.

Representatives of Osmington mall appeared before planning committee Monday on a proposal for a new high-density development on 37 hectares (92 acres) at Bovaird Drive and Mississauga Road.

The development would be anchored by a new mall and movie theatre.

The project has been on the books since 2010, but is currently stuck in a legal battle at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

Morguard, owner of Bramalea City Centre, has appealed the official plan amendment on the grounds that the mall is not “adequately supported by the retail market demand.”

Morguard took aim at a market study completed by Malone Givens Parsons in 2014 as part of a special Official Plan Amendment proposal.

The amendment would create a special designation for the development to make it part of the existing Mount Pleasant area, rather than Heritage Heights, which is still under planning.

A report to council lists several objections voiced by Morguard about the project including that it is “not currently warranted” and would “usurp retail support for Mount Pleasant.”

Morguard also mentions that the new mall would undermine the massive investment made to expand retail space at Bramalea City Centre.

During Monday’s presentation, Paul Lowes, a planner who spoke on behalf of Osmington, said the project “is located in an area that is not represented by major retail, fair distance to the other major retail locations.”

A hearing is set for Sept. 13, 2016. Because it is under appeal, the final application decision is up to the OMB tribunal.

A recent presentation offered the public an opportunity to provide input and ask questions.